It’s that time of year again and as regular as the seasons the new GoPro Hero is hear.. Today GoPro has introduced the HERO13 Black, the companies latest flagship action camera, and once again it’s packed with advanced features that will appeal to extreme sports enthusiasts, creative professionals and enthusiasts. Now ususally I take a quick look through the latest specifications and then comment and the seemingly small increments of improvement. However, this year GoPro has gone all out and the list of upgrades and changes is huge, most notably the lens options and mounting system which I’ll come on to in a bit. To start with however expect to pay £399.99 / $399.99 for the standard HERO13 Black with full kit options. It’s worth noting that there’s also another action camera being released at the same time, you can read more about the GoPro Hero here.
This year is also an exciting year for GoPro as it marks it’s 20th year – you can find out more about the 20 Years of the GoPro Hero in our feature.
This year sees a boost to video performance, although still no 8K, Battery and most notably a range of lenses. The HERO13 Black introduces the new HB-Series lenses, these offer four interchangeable lens options that are designed for a range of creative shooting styles – and while filters for the GoPro have been around for a few years these lenses take GoPro film making to another level. The options for the lenses include an Ultra Wide lens for capturing expansive views, a Macro lens for close-up detail, an Anamorphic lens for cinematic footage, and an ND Filter pack for managing exposure and creating motion blur. Each lens simply clips onto the front of the camera, and if you’ve owned a GoPro from the last few iterations of the camera you’ll know that the front lens element can be removed.
With this new lens system that element is removed and the new lens popped on, once in place it’s automatically detected by the camera, which adjusts the cameras settings for the change in optics and use. This is a feature that I’m looking forward to checking out especially the anamorphic lens for film making. I was a huge fan of the SIRUI Venus 150mm 1.6x Full-frame Anamorphic Lens and you can read more about that in the full review. Also if you want to see the results of Anamorphic lenses in action then please check out the Rewilding Film on Amazon directed and filmed by Ric Rawlins using the SIRUI Lenses.
The video resolution and frame rate upgrades are always keenly anticipated with each new GoPro usually sees a small if insignificant upgrade. Once again the latest GoPro sticks with the same general resolutions and framerates at the higher end with 5.3K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, so still sits as a great camera if you’re interested in which cameras shoot 4K at 120fps. However there are some major tweaks to the format and the lower end resolution and framerate options with a 13x Burst Slo-Mo mode, capturing up to 400 frames per second at HD-quality 720p, 5.3K at 120 fps, and 900p at 360 fps, which should be interesting to test through the upcoming review. The camera also comes with a redesigned Enduro battery, offering 10% more capacity and improved efficiency for longer recording times in all conditions. The last release of the Enduro saw a huge boost to the battery life so an additional 10% is as ever welcome.
The other big feature is the new GoPro Snap and Go Magnetic Latch Mounting system, this enables a quick change mounting system that looks to be extremely versatile. Other notable features included the faster WiFi 6 technology, which provides up to 40% quicker content transfer speeds. Additionally, the HERO13 Black offers Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video, which delivers broadcast-standard 10-bit video with a wider colour gamut, as well as more customisable audio tuning and GPS functionality with performance stickers for enhanced metadata.
Key Features of the GoPro HERO13 Black:
- Video Capabilities: Records 5.3K video at 60 fps and 4K video at 120 fps for ultra-smooth playback, New Burst Slo-Mo mode captures 720p at 400 fps and 900p at 360 fps for dramatic slow-motion footage, Supports HLG HDR video with 10-bit colour and Rec. 2100 colour space for vibrant and lifelike visuals.
- Photo Capabilities: 27MP photos with SuperPhoto, HDR, and RAW capture modes for high-quality images.
- Battery Life: Redesigned 1900mAh Enduro battery offers 10% more capacity and improved efficiency, Up to 1.5 hours of continuous recording at 4K30 or 5.3K30, and over 2.5 hours at 1080p30, Compatible with the Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit for continuous power from an external source.
- Mounting Options: New Magnetic Latch and Ball Joint Mounts allow for quick attachment and detachment, Fold-down mounting fingers and integrated 1/4-20 mounting threads for secure mounting on various accessories.
- Advanced Imaging Features: Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video for broadcasting standards, GP-Log with LUTs for flexible colour grading in post-production.
- HB-Series Lenses: Ultra Wide Lens Mod: 177° field of view, supports HyperSmooth stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock, Macro Lens Mod: Variable close focus for creative macro photography with a bokeh effect, Anamorphic Lens Mod: Captures ultra-wide cinematic footage with a 21:9 aspect ratio and classic lens flares, ND Filter 4-Pack: Includes ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters for motion blur and exposure control.
- Connectivity and Interface: Wi-Fi 6 technology for up to 40% faster transfer speeds, Bluetooth support for wireless audio and accessory control, GPS for tracking performance and geotagging, Customizable presets and enhanced user interface for ease of use.
- Additional Features: 33ft (10m) waterproof rating and rugged design, Voice control, 1080p live streaming, and compatibility with the GoPro Quik app for editing and cloud storage, 360° Horizon Lock and HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization for smooth, steady footage in all conditions.
GoPro Hero13 Black price and availability
The HERO13 Black is available for preorder now, with options including a standalone camera (£399 / $399) or the HERO13 Black Creator Edition (£599 / $599), which includes the Volta Power Grip, Media Mod, and Light Mod. Preorders will begin shipping on September 10.
GoPro HERO13 Black Features Deep Dive
The GoPro HERO13 Black is packed with cutting-edge features and improvements that cater to both professional creators and everyday users looking to enhance their content. Here’s an in-depth look at the standout features of this latest flagship action camera.
1. Video and Photo Capabilities: High-Quality and Versatile
The HERO13 Black boasts impressive video capabilities, including 5.3K video at 60 frames per second (fps) and 4K video at 120 fps, allowing for ultra-smooth playback and detailed slow-motion footage. For those looking for extreme slow-motion, the HERO13 Black offers a new Burst Slo-Mo mode, capturing 720p at 400 fps and 900p at 360 fps, providing up to 3 minutes and 20 seconds of playback time from a 15-second burst. This feature is perfect for capturing split-second action moments that would otherwise be missed.
For photography, the camera supports 27MP photos with SuperPhoto and HDR modes, ensuring high-quality images with vibrant colours and dynamic range. It also includes RAW photo capture for those who prefer to edit their shots in post-production.
2. Enhanced Battery Life: Power for Days
The HERO13 Black features a redesigned Enduro battery with a 10% increase in capacity (1900mAh) compared to previous models. This new battery technology offers longer runtimes in both high and low-temperature environments. Users can expect up to 1.5 hours of continuous recording at 4K30 or 5.3K30 and over 2.5 hours at 1080p30. Additionally, the camera’s power efficiency improvements mean better performance during extended use, making it ideal for long shoots and adventures.
For even longer recording times, the HERO13 Black introduces the Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit, allowing continuous power from an external USB-C source. This accessory is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) and can be used with or without the battery installed, providing flexibility for various shooting conditions.
3. Innovative Mounting Options: Flexible and Secure
GoPro has enhanced the mounting capabilities of the HERO13 Black with the new Magnetic Latch and Ball Joint Mounts. The Magnetic Latch allows for quick attachment and detachment, enabling users to easily switch between different mounts or flip the camera 180° without needing a thumb screw. For more secure mounting, the camera also includes fold-down mounting fingers and integrated 1/4-20 mounting threads compatible with standard tripods and professional camera accessories.
4. Advanced Imaging and Editing Features: Creative Freedom
The HERO13 Black comes equipped with several advanced features designed to provide users with more creative control over their footage. The Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video meets broadcasting standards with 10-bit colour and Rec. 2100 colour space, offering a wider colour gamut for more vibrant and lifelike footage. This is especially beneficial for professional creators who require high-quality HDR content.
Additionally, the camera supports GP-Log with LUTs, providing greater flexibility in colour grading during post-production. For those looking to streamline their editing process, the HERO13 Black integrates seamlessly with the GoPro Quik app, allowing for easy editing, cloud backup, and automatic highlight video creation.
5. The HB-Series Lenses: Tailored for Every Shot
The HERO13 Black’s compatibility with the new HB-Series Lenses significantly enhances its versatility. Each lens in the series is auto-detected by the camera, which automatically adjusts its settings to match the lens type and shooting environment. The lenses are also waterproof, scratch-resistant, and feature hydrophobic coatings to protect against water and dust, making them durable for various shooting conditions.
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod: Offers a 177° field of view and a 1:1 aspect ratio for maximum flexibility in post-production. It supports HyperSmooth video stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock, making it ideal for capturing dynamic action shots with an immersive perspective.
- Macro Lens Mod: Provides variable close focus for capturing intricate details up to four times closer than standard lenses. This lens is perfect for creative macro photography and slow-motion shots with a unique bokeh effect.
- Anamorphic Lens Mod: Captures ultra-wide-angle footage with a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio and classic lens flares, ideal for creating professional-level, artistic videos without the need for extensive post-production work.
- ND Filter 4-Pack: Includes ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters for managing exposure and creating cinematic motion blur. These filters are automatically detected by the camera, which optimizes settings for the best results based on the shooting environment.
6. Connectivity and User Interface Improvements: Faster and More Intuitive
The HERO13 Black is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology, providing up to 40% faster transfer speeds for quick and efficient content uploads. It also supports Bluetooth connections for wireless audio and accessory control, and features GPS for performance tracking and geotagging.
The user interface has been refined to offer more intuitive controls and customization options. Users can now create custom presets, control audio settings for different recording environments, and enjoy enhanced QuikCapture functionality, making the HERO13 Black easier to use for both professionals and casual users.
The GoPro HERO13 Black is a comprehensive tool for capturing high-quality content in any environment. With its robust feature set, enhanced battery life, and innovative accessories, it stands out as a versatile option for creators looking to push the boundaries of their storytelling.
For more details on the GoPro HERO13 Black, visit the Camera Jabber website.
